But the show was broadcast live on North Korea's television and radio, and it was the first time an American orchestra had played in North Korea. The Philharmonic played Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony, Bernstein’s overture to “Candide,” some Wagner and Arirang.

Most telling about the logic behind the concert were conductor Loren Maazel's quotes about the Boston Symphony performance in the Soviet Union in 1956 and the New York Philharmonic's show there in 1959:

It showed Soviet citizens that they could have relations with foreign organizations and these organizations could come in the country freely. But what the Soviets didn’t realize was, this was a two-edged sword.

And:

By allowing interactions between people from outside the country with people inside, eventually the people found themselves out of power.

Sure, he then played down the comparisons to North Korea today (must be a polite guest), but the parallels were clear.

Andrei Lankov expressed the same logic when I talked to him about the concert last year (as I wrote about here).

Anyhow, I am sure we will all wake up tomorrow and find North Korea to be the same as ever. But I hope the event will in some small way help change a few minds, if only a little bit.

(Note: I "borrowed" that pic from the New York Times website. Credit to Chang Lee, with thanks).

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About Me

I am a freelance writer and producer, currently living in Europe. But for over 12 years I was based in South Korea, where I scribbled for The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Newsweek, the New York Times, and more. My book about the Korean entertainment industry is out at last -- POP GOES KOREA: BEHIND THE REVOLUTION IN MEDIA, MUSIC AND INTERNET CULTURE (Stone Bridge Press).